SAVORY & SWEET SISTERS | A Toda Madre

May 2016 – MAKE YOUR CINCO DE MAYO A TODA MADRE! A Toda Madre translates to ‘totally awesome’ and that is exactly what this Mexican bistro in downtown Glen Ellyn is. While the Director of Operations, Rodrigo Cano was visiting Guadalajara, Mexico researching tequilas and tortillas, we stopped in. Although he was gone we were in good hands with our knowledgeable server Marija, and the attentive manager Patrick.

We started with fresh and fun cocktails. The muddled strawberries with lime, orange liquor and Exotico Blanco make the Fresno a favorite. If you prefer a bit of heat try the Pepino, a combination of cucumber, lime, orange liquor, tajin, and habanero tequila that will definitely tantalize your taste buds. Something unique to this side of the border is the Teporocho consisting of tepache, smoky mezcal, mint, aperol and pineapple. Tepache is a fermented pineapple drink sold at the Mexican street stands and markets; served in a plastic bag with a straw.

The dining style is trendy, fresh Mexican street food made to share. The menu is packed with scintillating flavor combinations. The light Aguachile consists of fresh tuna, lime, onion, cucumber and salsa served with tortilla chips made in house. Another favorite is the Rajas Con Chorizo with the melted Chihuahua cheese, roasted poblano stirps, house prepared chorizo, onions and crema fresca wrapped in a warm tortilla.

A Toda Madre offers seasonal specials such as the barbacoa tacos, slow braised short rib, cucumber relish, Chihuahua cheese, scallions, salsa verde cruda, topped with romaine. Another special is the zarandeado, a grilled whole fish typically served along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Our catch of the day was Yellowtail snapper with charred lemon, served with adobo-lime cabbage salad. We are a bit biased since our Father, an avid fisherman, catches and perfectly prepares fish. The Yellowtail Snapper definitely made an impression on us!

The sides are just as flavorful as each dish. The Esquites is a great balance of sweet and spicy with sweet grilled corn, expazote-butter, lemon-aioli, queso cotija and spicy chile piquin. White rice, poblano cubes, sour cream and Chihuahua cheese add a little punch to the arroz side.

So why not celebrate Cinco de Mayo this month with some fresh guacamole, tacos, margaritas and so much more at A Toda Madre!

A Toda Madre 499 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn (630) 474.0969 – www.atmrestaurant.com Director of Operations: Rodrigo Cano

ABOUT THE WRITERS Stephanie (right) & Tiffany (left) Schmoker are west suburban sisters who have always shared a love for dining out and they also enjoy cooking together. They came from a family of 7 and grew up on farm with fresh fruits, veggies and more. Watch for their review of a different west suburban restaurant in each issue of Glancer Magazine.

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